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For most of us, skiing every day would be the ideal scenario! Fortunately, like riding a bike, after mastering the fundamentals, muscle memory and ingrained techniques make it possible to maintain a baseline proficiency even with long gaps in skiing. While one or two weeks of skiing each year may be enough to maintain baseline or achieve slight progression, if you have your sights set on loftier skiing ambitions, increasing your slope time and training with intention is the key to progressive growth.
Whether you simply want to keep your skills sharp for casual cruising on the blues, or you have your sights set on big air and fresh powder in the backcountry, here are some helpful recommendations to keep your skills tuned this season.
Reinforce Muscle Memory & Learned Techniques With Frequent Practice
Like any skill or knowledge acquired, without frequent exposure to that action or information, familiarity with that information will fade in time. This is especially true if skiing is a new skill for you. If you are just learning how to ski, it’s essential to practice as frequently as possible until the techniques become second nature. After establishing a stronger ski foundation, your body will instinctively perform turns and other intricate maneuvers without consciously thinking about each movement.
If possible, aim for at least one or two days of skiing each week if there is an accessible resort nearby. For best results, partner with a skilled instructor or friend/family member who is well-versed in proper skiing technique. Repetition is the fastest way to transform your new ski skills into deeply-ingrained abilities.
If you already have a firm skiing foundation in place, practice is still important for keeping your skills sharp. Fortunately, if you have a firm grasp of the fundamentals, you should be able to pick up where you left off after a few warm-up laps. Even if you miss an entire season of skiing, you’ll discover that much like riding a bike, knowing how to turn, stop, and control your speed are skills that won’t quickly fade away.
Tips for Progression On & Off the Slopes
If you are more interested in progress, not just skill maintenance, then it’s time to build a goal-oriented training plan. Even if you only have access to occasional skiing, fine-tuning and upgrading your repertoire of skills can still be achieved. If you’re ready to take your ski skills to the next level, grab one of our ski jackets, sharpen your skis, and prepare for the slopes like a pro by:
- Elevating your fitness routine: High-elevation conditions and all-day exertion on the slopes takes a toll on even the fittest of winter athletes. If you are hoping to achieve greatness on the mountain, there’s no such thing as an off-season for skiers who want to excel in the sport. We recommend a full-body training plan that incorporates strengthening, flexibility, and cardio exercises to prepare for every mountain condition.
- Study specific techniques: Before attempting a switch 540° off a kicker you’re not prepared for, take the time to watch some video tutorials about the maneuvers you’re aiming for. Break down complex maneuvers into bite-size sections until you are comfortable with every stage of progression.
- Ski with a skilled partner: Join up with another skier who can help you thrive on the mountain. Tell your partner about your goals, and ask them to critique your skiing and help you pin-point areas that need improvement.
As important as the right training plan, it’s equally important to find gear that complements your ski style. From essentials like ski equipment bags to the best powder, park, and all-mountain skis in the industry, the Ski Bum is the only shop you need to keep your skills sharp this season.
